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In-form KCCA, URA continue ascendancy

KCCA moved to within four points of leaders Bul after a straight forward 3-0 win over Maroons extended their winning run to six games in the Startimes Uganda Premier League.

The match-day action also saw another side recovering from a slow start to the season in URA who picked a third consecutive win under new coach Sam Ssimbwa edging a see-saw game against hosts Kataka 4-3.

But they still pale in comparison to an in-form KCCA side who will be cringing at the prospect of a two-week international break.

They were ahead as early as the sixth minute when Ibrahim Kasule and Herbert Achai combined with the latter’s cutback turned into goal by Maroons defender Derrick Basoga.

And while KCCA did not add to their tally until the 70th minute, Maroons were similarly blunt and rarely threatened Mutwalibi Mugolofa in the KCCA goal.

Maroons then pressed the self destruct button again when an Ashraf Mugume corner hit Jackson Nunda’s shin and went in.

Mugume then got off the mark when he drilled home KCCA’s third goal late on to seal victory.

The defeat was the fourth for Maroons in nine games and they stay 10th on 11 points.

In Bukedea, URA raced into a 2-0 lead inside 10 minutes through goals by Dennis Kisiriko and Moses Aliro

But Kataka who are one of two sides still in search of a first win, fought back to level through Martin Wambi and Ali Sentamu before half time.

Substitute Nelson Senkatuka’s acrobatic effort gave URA a 3-2 lead but Richard Lampani leveled again for Kataka through a penalty.

Abraham Tusubira then scored the winner five minutes from time for URA who are now eigth on 13 points while Kataka remain second from bottom with three points from 10 games.

UPL Wednesday Results

KCCA 3-0 Maroons

Kataka 3-4 URA

Nariman Narimanov Memorial Museum hosts patriotic event in Baku [PHOTOS]

An event titled ‘Our Victory History – A Chronicle of Pride’ was jointly organized by the Nariman Narimanov Memorial Museum and the No. 2 Technical-Humanities Lyceum named after H. Mahmudbayli.

According to the museum, the event began with the national anthem of Azerbaijan, followed by a minute of silence in memory of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the country.

The gathering brought together cultural professionals, teachers and students of the lyceum, officers and cadets of the Baku Military College, as well as students from the Bulbul Secondary Special Music School and Secondary School No. 226.

As part of the programme, participants recited patriotic poems, performed musical pieces and presented literary and artistic compositions dedicated to Azerbaijan’s victory, national pride and patriotic spirit.

The event aimed to honour the country’s victory history, pay tribute to the fallen heroes and promote patriotic values among the younger generation.

NNPP sues INEC, 45 lawmakers for defecting from party

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has dragged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and 45 lawmakers before the Federal High Court in Abuja over the alleged defection of lawmakers elected on its platform in 2023 without completing their resignation processes.

The suit, filed through the party’s counsel, Lex Firma LP, seeks judicial interpretation and enforcement of constitutional provisions governing the defection of elected legislators from the political parties on whose platforms they secured their mandates.

According to an affidavit filed in support of the originating summons, the NNPP is challenging the alleged defection of 45 lawmakers, comprising members of the Kano State House of Assembly, the House of Representatives, and the Senate, who were elected on its platform in the 2023 general elections.

The party alleged that the affected lawmakers abandoned the NNPP and joined other political parties while still occupying the legislative seats they secured under its platform, without following the procedures required for terminating their membership.

The NNPP further alleged that some of the lawmakers had already been listed by INEC as candidates of other parties for the 2027 general elections, raising questions about the legality of their nominations and their continued occupation of their current legislative seats.

Specifically, the party identified several Kano State lawmakers whose names reportedly appeared on INEC’s list as candidates for other parties in the 2027 State House of Assembly elections.

In a letter dated Oct. 19 addressed to INEC, the party stated that it had drawn the commission’s attention to the alleged defections and requested an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the lawmakers’ purported resignations and subsequent membership in other parties.

It expressed concern that the affected legislators still have their names on the NNPP membership register while simultaneously being registered as members of other parties-a situation it argued violates statutory provisions regulating political party membership.

The party maintained that the alleged defections occurred without the requisite clearance from its Board of Trustees and electoral guidelines, citing Articles 8.2(a), 8.2(b), and 8.3(a) of its constitution.

The NNPP relied on judgments delivered by the Abia State High Court on Nov. 1, 2024, in Suit No. HUZ/11/2024, and the Court of Appeal on March 30, 2026, in Appeal No. CA/OW/271/2025, which it said affirmed the authority of its Board of Trustees and founder in matters relating to the party’s administration.

The party further argued that it had not merged with any political party nor ceased to exist as a registered entity, insisting that the circumstances surrounding the alleged defections do not fall within the constitutional exceptions permitting legislators to defect without forfeiting their seats.

Consequently, the party is seeking a judicial determination of the constitutional implications of the alleged defections under Sections 68(1)(g), 68(2), 109(1)(g), and 109(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

‘These provisions address circumstances under which members of the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly may lose their seats following a change of political party membership, subject to constitutionally recognized exceptions,’ the party stated.

‘We also want the relevant legislative authorities to be notified of the alleged defections and appropriate constitutional steps taken concerning the affected seats, including the possibility of declaring them vacant and conducting bye-elections.’

The NNPP added that it is prepared to participate in any bye-elections lawfully conducted in the affected constituencies.

The affidavit in support of the originating summons was deposed to by Junia Oludare, a litigation secretary with Lex Firma LP, and sworn to at the Federal High Court Registry, Abuja, on Oct. 27, 2026. (NAN)

Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the NNPP, stated that the party will not accept interventions to backdate the resignations of members who failed to complete the process before the party notified INEC of their alleged non-compliance.

He warned that any attempt to falsify resignation records would amount to criminality, urging individuals approaching party leaders for backdated documentation to desist immediately.

In its Oct. 19 letter to INEC, the NNPP alleged that Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State, 18 members of the House of Representatives, 28 members of the Kano State House of Assembly, and two senators elected on its platform in 2023 had failed to fulfill the statutory requirements for lawful resignation.

According to the party, the affected politicians have since moved to other political parties and are pursuing political ambitions ahead of the 2027 general elections without completing the necessary resignation procedures.

The suit is expected to test the constitutional boundaries of political defection by elected lawmakers, the circumstances under which legislative seats may become vacant, and INEC’s responsibilities in ensuring compliance with electoral laws ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Former NULGE president laments poor performance of LGs despite autonomy judgment

Former National President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Comrade Akeem Ambali, has expressed concern over the continued poor performance of local governments despite the Supreme Court judgment granting them financial autonomy.

He said the slow implementation of the judgment had affected service delivery and widened the gap between government and residents, particularly in rural communities.

Speaking during an interview on Eagle 102.5 FM in Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State, Ambali described local government as the tier of administration closest to the people, noting that its effectiveness was essential to grassroots development.

He said political interference had weakened local government administration and limited its capacity to deliver essential services.

‘Local government has been crippled. Local government is missing in action. No matter the effort of any state or federal government, without a functional local government, whatever they do may not have the expected impact,’ he said.

Ambali commended President Bola Tinubu for supporting local government autonomy, recalling that he established Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) while serving as governor of Lagos State to bring governance closer to the people.

He also noted that Tinubu pursued the legal process that culminated in the Supreme Court judgment, but questioned the ruling’s limited impact on local government administration.

‘The Supreme Court is not a final court. Its judgments are final in themselves. You can only appeal to God Almighty. Anybody doing something against it is liable,’ he said.

The former NULGE president urged Nigerians to make implementation of the judgment a campaign issue ahead of the 2027 elections, asking candidates to state clear plans for local government autonomy.

He said councils should be equipped to maintain rural roads, support farmers, provide basic infrastructure, and drive community policing, lamenting that farmers cannot move produce because of impassable roads.

‘Local government in the past had graders, had equipment that a community could easily afford. The roads are not passable. Farmers cannot bring back farm produce,’ he said.

Ambali argued that local councils’ effectiveness should be measured by their impact on living conditions, not by activities at the secretariat, noting that agricultural and community development officers work in the field.

PHOTOS: Preparations Ongoing for ADC Presidential Campaign Kick-off

Preparations are ongoing at the African Democratic Congress (ADC) secretariat in Sokoto, doubling as the venue of the ADC presidential campaign flag-off.

The venue is being prepared ahead of the event, while supporters and party members are expected to gather for the campaign.

The situation is currently calm. Some of the supporters are currently at the airport waiting for the arrival of the Presidential Candidate of the party, Atiku Abubakar, and his entourage.

Below are some pictures from the venue:

State police: NASS receives approval from 28 assemblies

The National Assembly said it has received approval from 28 State Houses of Assembly for the proposed constitutional amendment to establish State Police Services, paving the way for the transmission of the bill to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for assent.

The number of states that have approved the bill exceeds the constitutionally required two-thirds majority of the 36 states, equivalent to 24 states, under Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution.

The Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, saying the Office had received and verified reports from 28 State Houses of Assembly confirming their approval of the Constitution Alteration Bill.

The bill, which seeks to provide for the establishment of State Police Services and related matters, was transmitted to the 36 state assemblies on September 16, 2026, for consideration and approval.

The Clerk had requested that the state assemblies communicate their decisions to the National Assembly within 30 days, with the stipulated period ending on October 15.

However, Ogunlana said his office would continue to receive reports from state assemblies until the bill was transmitted for presidential assent.

He said the Office had also carried out administrative verification of the reports and accompanying Votes and Proceedings to establish their authenticity and ensure that they accurately reflected the decisions of the respective legislatures.

Ogunlana clarified that Section 9 of the Constitution did not expressly require a Third Reading for a Constitution Alteration Bill, unlike the procedure for ordinary bills.

He said the necessary administrative processes were being undertaken to facilitate the transmission of the bill to President Tinubu for assent in accordance with the Acts Authentication Act, Cap A2, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot parties committed to creating conditions for 5+1 conference

The Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot political parties that participate in the meetings in Ledra Palace, have reaffirmed their commitment to creating the necessary conditions for the convening of a 5+1 international conference on Cyprus.

According to their joint communique, the leaders and representatives of Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot political parties participating in the bicommunal dialogue under the auspices of the Embassy of the Slovak Republic in Nicosia met for their regular meeting today at the Ledra Palace Hotel.

They expressed their views on the topic proposed by the hosting United Cyprus Party (BKP), ‘Considering that the Cyprus Problem is an international issue, how can we move towards convening a 5+1 international conference?’

“Considering that the Cyprus problem is an international issue requiring the engagement of all relevant actors, the political parties reaffirm their commitment to creating the necessary conditions for the convening of a 5+1 international conference” they stress.

Moreover, they note that they “stand ready to support constructive preparations and confidence building efforts aimed at facilitating meaningful and result-oriented negotiations with a view to achieving a comprehensive, lasting and mutually acceptable settlement”.

The next meeting of the leaders and representatives of the political parties will be hosted by the Republican Turkish Party (TRC) in January 2027.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results due to Turkish intransigence. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, whose term nears its end, announced he would convene another meeting in broader format, after adequate preparation, but gave no timeline. He secured to that end the consensus of both sides and of the guarantor powers. María Angela Holguín, Guterres’ Personal Envoy on Cyprus, is tasked to engage with the parties. Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto acts as the European Commission’s Special Representative for Cyprus, succeeding EU special envoy Johannes Hahn.

Regions Healthcare Foundation champions stroke prevention, provides free health screening

Regions Healthcare Foundation, in partnership with LabRad Diagnostics, Owerri and Regions Stroke Center has strengthened efforts to combat the burden of stroke through a community sensitisation campaign organised to mark the 2026 World Stroke Day in Owerri, Imo State.

The campaign, held on Saturday, October 31, 2026, featured a health awareness walk and free medical screening, with a focus on educating residents about stroke risk factors, preventive healthcare and the importance of immediate medical attention.

The programme was organised around this year’s World Stroke Day theme, ‘Every Minute Counts,’ highlighting the critical relationship between early medical intervention and the prevention of severe complications associated with stroke.

Speaking during the exercise, the President of Regions Healthcare Foundation, Dr. Sherece Akubude, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to humanitarian health interventions and support for healthcare delivery in the region, particularly specialist healthcare services.

She explained that the Foundation joined the international World Stroke Day campaign to promote awareness of stroke and encourage individuals to adopt healthier lifestyles.

Dr. Anyanwu noted that stroke remains a serious medical emergency, stressing that people suspected of having the condition must be taken to a hospital without delay. She explained that prompt medical attention is essential to protecting brain tissue and improving the chances of a better outcome.

She further advised residents to take the management of hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol seriously, identifying these conditions as important contributors to stroke risk.

According to her, regular physical exercise, routine medical examinations and adherence to prescribed treatment are important measures individuals can take to protect themselves against stroke.

The post-walk activities included free blood pressure and blood glucose screening for participants, physical exercise sessions, and rehabilitation education. The rehabilitation component provided information on exercises that can assist individuals caring for stroke survivors.

Also speaking, Prof. Benjamin Anyanwu, Professor of Clinical Neurology and Stroke Services at Regions Healthcare, Owerri, described stroke as a major cause of disability among adults.

He stated that stroke can affect anyone, irrespective of social or economic background, making widespread public awareness essential.

Professor Anyanwu explained that the walk through Owerri was intended to bring stroke education directly to the community and encourage residents to understand the condition, recognise its dangers and embrace preventive health practices.

He also highlighted the importance of the free medical checks conducted after the exercise, noting that participants had the opportunity to assess their blood pressure and blood glucose levels.

The 2026 World Stroke Day campaign concluded with a renewed call for collective responsibility in reducing the burden of stroke through education, prevention, and timely medical intervention.

The awareness walk was attended by members of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Owerri Zone, Wakathon Community International, Medical Students from IMO State University (IMSU) and Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO), The National Association of Seadogs (NAS) , Partner from Chillis Bar and Grill,

Mangero Table Water alongside other participants.

Inflation in Cyprus at 5.4% in October, according to Eurostat

Annual inflation in Cyprus is estimated to have stood at 5.4% in October 2026, up from 5.2% in September, according to the flash estimate published by Eurostat on Wednesday. On a monthly basis, the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices in Cyprus increased by 0.2% in October.

Eurostat data show that annual inflation in Cyprus stood at 3.5% in May, 4.1% in June, 4.4% in July and 5.2% in both August and September, before rising to an estimated 5.4% in October. At the same time, annual inflation in Cyprus stood at 0.2% in October 2025.

In the euro area, annual inflation is estimated to have increased to 4% in October 2026, from 3.8% in September, according to Eurostat’s flash estimate.

Cyprus among countries with highest electricity prices for non-household consumers

The average electricity price for non-household consumers in Cyprus stood at pound 0.23 per kilowatt-hour in the first half of 2026, according to data published by Eurostat on Wednesday.

Cyprus and Italy both recorded a price of pound 0.23 per kilowatt-hour, while the highest price in the EU was recorded in Ireland, at pound 0.27 per kilowatt-hour.

It is noted that Eurostat’s data concern non-household consumers with annual electricity consumption of between 500 and 2,000 megawatt-hours.

EU average at pound 0.18 per kilowatt-hour

At EU level, the average electricity price for non-household consumers stood at pound 0.18 per kilowatt-hour in the first half of 2026.

According to Eurostat, the price decreased by 2% compared with the second half of 2025 and by 5.4% compared with the first half of 2025.

The lowest prices were recorded in Finland, at pound 0.09 per kilowatt-hour, Sweden, at pound 0.12, and Denmark, Spain and Portugal, at pound 0.13 per kilowatt-hour.